Method and system for a deferred variable annuity with lifetime benefit payments

ABSTRACT

A computer implemented data processing system and method administers a deferred variable annuity contract during the accumulation phase for a relevant life. The annuity contract has a payment base value and a contract value. The system has a processor for determining a present payment base value, for determining a present contract value, for determining a withdrawal percent, and for calculating a lifetime benefit payment responsive to a request; wherein the maximum lifetime benefit payment withdrawal is Greater of ((Present Payment Base×Withdrawal Percent) or (Present Contract Value×Withdrawal Percent)).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to application Ser. No. 60/961,812, filed Jul. 24, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and system for administering a variable annuity with lifetime benefit payments; and more particularly, to a data processing method for administering a deferred variable annuity contract, the annuity contract having a payment base value, a contract value, and lifetime benefit payments, wherein the lifetime benefit payment available for each period is the greater of (i) (the payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); and (ii) (the contract value)×(the withdrawal percent).

2. Description of the Prior Art

An immediate annuity is typically used to provide an income stream within a predetermined length of time from the date the premium is received. The amount of income can be either fixed or variable in nature and typically these products do not provide an account value. A deferred annuity is typically used to provide accumulation and, potentially, a future stream of annuity income. The deferred annuity comprises an accumulation period during which the account value will vary with the underlying investments and an annuitization period where the client purchases an immediate annuity with the account value available. Deferred and immediate annuities typically provide guaranteed income for life which transfers some portion or all of the risk of outliving one's accumulated assets to the insurer.

One basis for distinguishing commonly available deferred annuities is whether the annuity is classified as a “fixed annuity” or a “variable annuity”.

In a fixed annuity, the insurer guarantees a fixed rate of interest applicable to each annuity deposit. Therefore, a fixed annuity is desirable for those seeking a “safe” investment. The guaranteed interest rate may apply for a specified period of time, often one year or more. Often, a rate guaranteed for more than one year is called a “multi-year guarantee”. The rate credited on a fixed annuity is reset periodically, moving in an amount and a direction that correlate the yields available on fixed-income investments available to the insurer.

With a variable annuity, the annuity contract owner bears the investment risk. The relevant life typically has a choice of funds in which he/she can direct where the annuity deposits will be invested. The various funds or sub-accounts may include stocks, bonds, money market instruments, mutual funds, and the like.

Variable annuity contracts typically provide a death benefit. Oftentimes during the accumulation period this death benefit is related to the contract value. That is, if the sub-accounts backing the contract value have performed poorly, then the death benefit may be reduced to an insignificant amount. After annuitization, the death benefit can be a function of the remaining payments of the annuity at the time of the relevant life's death. Further, if the annuity contract does not provide a guarantee (discussed below), the contract will terminate when the contract value goes to zero or some other amount specified in the contract or rider.

Annuity contracts may also provide guarantees in several different variations. A Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (GMDB) is a guarantee that provides a minimum benefit at the death of the relevant life regardless of the performance of the underlying investments. A Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (GMIB) is a guarantee that will provide a specified income amount at the time the contract is annuitized. The income payment will be dependent on previously stated details set out in the contract. A Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefit (GMAB) is a benefit that guarantees a specified contract value at a certain date in the future, even if actual investment performance of the contract is less than the guaranteed amount. A Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit (GMWB) is a guarantee of income for a specified period of time, and in some versions, the income stream is guaranteed for life without requiring annuitization as in the guaranteed minimum income benefit. However, this guarantee will automatically annuitize the contract if the contract value is reduced to zero or some other amount specified in the contract or rider.

Prior art annuity products typically determine the amount of the lifetime benefit payments, if any, to be a predetermined percentage of a withdrawal base. The withdrawal base amount is typically set at the time of the first lifetime benefit payment and is fixed for the remainder of the term of the annuity product. Furthermore, the withdrawal base amount is typically based on either the payment base or the contract value, but not the greater of the two.

Many financial products have been disclosed. These include financial products having software for determining deferred and immediate annuity contract values, systems and method of administration of annuity contracts wherein variable annuity contracts include a bonus investment credit percentage, withdrawal charge percentages less than or equal to the bonus investment credit percentage in all contract years, and level asset-based compensation to distributors. These all contain at least one of the following disadvantages: the amount of the lifetime benefit payments is determined to be a predetermined percentage of a withdrawal base; the withdrawal base is typically fixed for the remainder of the contract; and the withdrawal base decreases for the remainder of the term. Further, the withdrawal base in prior art annuity products is typically based on either the payment base or the contract value, but not both.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a data processing method for administering a variable annuity contract for a relevant life wherein the annuity contract has lifetime benefit payments and wherein the lifetime benefit payment for each period is the greater of (i) (the payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); and (ii) (the contract value)×(the withdrawal percent).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a data processing method for administering a deferred variable annuity contract during the accumulation phase wherein the annuity contract has a guarantee of lifetime benefit payments and wherein the lifetime benefit payment for each period is the greater of (i) (the payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); and (ii) (the contract value)×(the withdrawal percent). In prior art annuity products, the amount of the lifetime benefit payments, if any, is determined to be a predetermined percentage of a withdrawal base. This withdrawal base typically is fixed for the remainder of the contract, or alternatively, decreases for the remainder of the term. Further, the withdrawal base in prior art annuity products is typically based on either the payment base or the contract value, but not both.

Generally stated, the method of the invention determines a present payment base value for the annuity contract. Preferably, the payment base value is a function of the previous premium payments and withdrawals by the relevant life, and could include investment performance on an annual or other basis (daily, monthly, etc.). The method determines a present contract value. The method determines a withdrawal percent for the annuity contract. During the accumulation phase the system performs the following steps: (i) if requested by the relevant life, periodically accepting premium payments from the relevant life which increase the payment base and the contract value; (ii) if requested by the relevant life, or if other defined criteria are reached, periodically calculating a lifetime benefit payment withdrawal for the relevant life which decreases the contract value, wherein the guaranteed lifetime benefit payment is determined as the greater of the following formulas: Living benefit payment (LBP) withdrawal=(the present payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); Living benefit payment (LBP) withdrawal=(the present contract value)×(the withdrawal percent); and (iii) if requested by the relevant life, periodically calculating a withdrawal payment—that is in excess of the lifetime benefit payment—for the relevant life from the contract value which decreases each of: the contract value and the payment base. Upon the death of the relevant life, the present method calculates a death benefit to a beneficiary, wherein the death benefit is the greater of: (a) the guaranteed death benefit amount; and (b) the present contract value.

Preferably, the annuity contract of the data processing method is a deferred variable annuity and further includes sub-accounts whose market performance can cause the contract value to decrease. In other aspects of the invention, the annuity contract may be selected from the group of fixed, combination variable/fixed, and equity indexed annuities.

In addition, the account may be subject to mortality and expense risk and administrative (M, E & A), 12 b-1 and fund level charges. These charges may or may not be assessed against the contract value.

The guaranteed death benefit is paid to the beneficiary only if the relevant life dies during the accumulation phase. However, a guaranteed death benefit may also be payable during annuitization as well. The lifetime benefit payment may be paid once yearly or periodically throughout the year; however, there is a maximum lifetime benefit payment for any given year. In prior art annuity products, the relevant life receives lifetime benefit payments that are based on a fixed withdrawal base, or a withdrawal base that decreases over time. On the other hand, the present method allows the relevant life to have the opportunity to request a lifetime benefit payment during each period that is up to the greater of (i) (the payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); and (ii) (the contract value)×(the withdrawal percent). Therefore, the lifetime benefit payment is not based on a percentage of a fixed withdrawal base amount, and the withdrawal base amount may increase depending on the performance of the underlying investments of the annuity product and if the contract value is greater than the payment base value during a given period. However, if the contract value is less than the payment base, then the available lifetime benefit payment is a percentage (withdrawal percent) of the payment base. Accordingly, the relevant life has the opportunity to request a lifetime benefit payment that has the potential to afford a greater monetary value then the lifetime benefit payments of prior art annuity products.

In one aspect, the value of the annuity payments, if necessary, equals the value of the last guaranteed lifetime benefit payment. In other aspects, excess withdrawals, required minimum distributions or step-ups could cause the value of the annuity payments or guaranteed lifetime benefit payments to change.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a data processing method for administering a deferred variable annuity contract, the annuity contract having a payment base, a contract value and lifetime benefit payments, comprising the steps of: (i) determining a present payment base value; (ii) determining a present contract value; (iii) determining a withdrawal percent; and (iv) calculating a lifetime benefit payment, wherein the lifetime benefit payment is determined according to the following formula:

-   -   LBP=the greater of:         -   (i) “the guaranteed lifetime benefit payment”—(the present             payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); and         -   (ii) “the maximum lifetime benefit payment”—(the present             contract value)×(the withdrawal percent).

The invention can comprise a deferred variable annuity contract having a payment base, a contract value and lifetime benefit payments, comprising: (i) means for determining a payment base; (ii) means for determining a contract value; (iii) means for determining a withdrawal percent; (iv) means for calculating a lifetime benefit payment; wherein the lifetime benefit payment is determined according to the following formula:

-   -   LBP=the greater of:         -   (iii) “the guaranteed lifetime benefit payment”—(the payment             base)×(the withdrawal percent); and         -   (iv) “the maximum lifetime benefit payment”—(the present             contract value)×(the withdrawal percent).

The present invention solves several of the problems associated with conventional administration of annuity products. Determination of the lifetime benefit payment is accomplished via an improved formula that provides the potential to afford a greater monetary value for the lifetime benefit payment than prior art annuity products. The relevant life is afforded increased security by the availability of a potentially enhanced lifetime benefit payment.

Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating the manner in which a new annuity contract application is processed;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart that illustrates in more detail the manner in which an annuity contract is established;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart that illustrates in more detail the manner in which an account value is set up;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart that illustrates in more detail the manner in which customer communication is established;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the appropriate steps after a withdrawal is requested;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprising a data processing method for administering an annuity contract for a relevant life;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the system on which the present invention is implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a table illustrating lifetime benefit payments as a function of time for annuities associated with various withdrawal bases in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a table illustrating lifetime benefit payments as a function of time for annuities associated withdrawal bases in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 depicts a graph illustrating lifetime benefit payments as a function of time for annuities associated with various withdrawal bases in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as described in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in, that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein, which define the scope of the present invention. They are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure; but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The following presents a detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention comprises a data processing method for administering a deferred variable annuity contract having a payment base, a contract value, and lifetime benefit payments. As used herein, the term “annuity contract” means a set of rules and other data that are reflected in a computer processing system for operations of the annuity product. The lifetime benefit payment is not a percentage of a fixed value. Instead, the lifetime benefit payment available for each period is the greater of (i) (the payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); and (ii) (the contract value)×(the withdrawal percent). The present data processing method is preferably in the form of a rider to a variable annuity contract. In another aspect of the invention, the present data processing method is not in the form of a rider, but is a part of the base contract. In exchange for paying higher fees, the relevant life receives several advantages by selecting the method and system of the present invention which provides a lifetime benefit payment available for each period that is the greater of (i) (the payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); and (ii) (the contract value)×(the withdrawal percent). These advantages include the following: the relevant life will have the opportunity to request a lifetime benefit payment during each period that is up to the greater of (i) (the payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); and (ii) (the contract value)×(the withdrawal percent). Therefore, the lifetime benefit payment is not based on a percentage of a fixed withdrawal base amount, and the withdrawal base amount may increase depending on the performance of the underlying investments of the annuity product and if the contract value is greater than the payment base during a given period. However, if the contract value is less than the payment base, then the available lifetime benefit payment is a percentage (withdrawal percent) of the payment base. Accordingly, the relevant life has the opportunity to request a lifetime benefit payment that has the potential to afford a greater monetary value then prior art annuity products. Significantly, the relevant life takes advantage of the higher value as between the payment base and contract value, as measured at the anniversary date of each contract period. The present invention therefore allows living benefit payments in excess of the guaranteed amount without negatively impacting the benefits of the contract. The present invention allows for upside potential for living benefit payments, and it provides potentially higher living benefit payments while having the security of a known guaranteed benefit for life.

The present invention comprises a data processing method for administering a deferred variable annuity contract for a relevant life, the annuity contract having a payment base, a contract value and a guarantee of lifetime benefit payments, comprising the steps of: (i) determining a present payment base; (ii) determining a present contract value; (iii) determining a withdrawal percent; and (iii) calculating a lifetime benefit payment wherein the lifetime benefit payment is the greater of (i) (the payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); and (ii) (the contract value)×(the withdrawal percent).

The following definitions are given hereunder to better understand terms used in the specification.

-   “Relevant Life” or “Covered Life”: The term relevant life or covered     life is the governing life for determination of the living benefits     provided under this illustrative embodiment. Covered life (or     relevant life) may refer to any one or more of the following: an     owner, joint owner, annuitant, joint annuitant, co-owner,     co-annuitant or beneficiary. -   “Withdrawal Base”: The withdrawal base is the amount used in one     embodiment of the present invention to determine the lifetime     benefit payment. Preferably, the withdrawal base may be equal to the     amount of the original premium, the payment base value, the contract     value, or the greater of the payment base value and the contract     value. -   “Payment Base”: The payment base (PB) (or more accurately the     payment base value) is the amount used in one embodiment of the     present invention to determine the lifetime benefit payment and the     rider charge. In one embodiment of the present invention, the     initial payment base value equals the initial premium. -   “Premium”: 100% of the dollar amount of the initial or subsequent     premium payments deposited into the contract before application of     any sales charges or payment enhancements. -   “Withdrawal Request”: A request made by the relevant life to     withdraw funds during the “accumulation phase” of the contract. One     type of withdrawal is a lifetime benefit payment. Any withdrawal     that is in excess of the lifetime benefit payment may: (i) decrease     the contract value below the minimum contract value; (ii) decrease     the payment base value; and (iii) decrease the guaranteed death     benefit. -   “Lifetime Benefit Payment”: A benefit payment that is available     until the death of the relevant life. The lifetime benefit payment     may be paid yearly in one embodiment. The total lifetime benefit     payment for the year may also be distributed monthly, quarterly or     any other defined period. Preferably, the lifetime benefit payment     is only available if the covered life age is 60 (or other     predetermined age) or older. Preferably, if the relevant life is age     59 (or other predetermined age) or younger, the LBP is equal to     zero. Other age restrictions can also be utilized for the lifetime     benefit payment. Preferably, the lifetime benefit payment is     determined by the following formula:

LBP=the greater of:

-   -   “the guaranteed lifetime benefit payment” (the payment base         value)×(the withdrawal percent); and     -   “the maximum lifetime benefit payment” (the present contract         value)×(the withdrawal percent).         It should be understood that in other embodiments of the present         invention, other formulas may be utilized for determining the         lifetime benefit payment.

-   “Contract Value”: The contract value (CV) is a numerical measure of     the relative worth of a variable annuity product during the     accumulation phase. The contract value is determined by adding the     amount of purchase payments made during the accumulation phase,     deducting management fees, deducting contract fees, deducting     optional rider fees and surrenders made by the owner, and adjusting     for the relative increase (or decrease) of the investment option(s)     chosen by the owner. It should be understood that in other     embodiments of the present invention, other formulas may be utilized     for determining the contract value.

-   “Sub-account”: Variable account investments within the variable     annuity contract, such as mutual funds, stocks and bonds.

-   “Withdrawal”: Also known as a “surrender”, a relevant life may     withdraw up to the contract value at any time.

-   “Death Benefit”: The death benefit provision guarantees that upon     the death of the relevant life a death benefit (DB) is paid to a     beneficiary named in the contract that is equal to the greater of     the guaranteed death benefit or the contract value as of the date     that proof of death is received. It should be understood that in     other embodiments of the present invention, other formulas may be     utilized for determining the guaranteed death benefit.

-   “AMF”: Annual Maintenance Fee.

-   “Annuity Commencement Date”: The annuity commencement date (ACD) is     the date upon which the contract enters the “annuitization phase”.     “Withdrawal Percent”: In one embodiment of the present invention,     the withdrawal percent (WP) is used to determine the amount of the     lifetime benefit payment. It should be understood that in other     embodiments of the present invention, other formulas may be utilized     for determining the lifetime benefit payment.

-   “PB increase”: Payment Base increase.

-   “Step-Up”: An increase to the payment base value that is available     if the contract value increases because of favorable performance of     the underlying investments. Preferably, the step-up is guaranteed at     a predetermined percentage.

-   “High Water Mark”: A predetermined threshold. In one embodiment, the     high water mark is equal to the previously highest contract value     (minus the rider fee) as determined at periodic time intervals.

-   “Partial Surrender”: Partial surrender means the gross amount of the     partial surrender and will include any applicable contingent     deferred sales charges.

-   “Covered Life Change”: Any contractual change before ACD which     causes a change in the covered life will result in a reset in the     benefits provided under the rider and allows the issuing company to     impose the fund allocation restrictions.

-   “Annuity Contract”: The term annuity contract means a set of rules     and other data that are reflected in a computer processing system     for operations of the annuity product.

-   “Issue Rules”: The issuance of a contract may be subject to     established requirements known as issue rules.

The following detailed illustrative embodiment(s) is presented to provide a more complete understanding of the invention. The specific techniques, systems, and operating structures set forth to illustrate the principles and practice of the invention may be embodied in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are exemplary. They are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure; but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Covered Life in Single and Joint/Spousal Election(s)

The covered life, or relevant life, may have a single life election or joint/spousal continuation election as described more fully herein.

Single Life Election.

If a natural owner, the covered life is the owner and the joint owner (if any) on the contract or rider effective date. If a non-natural owner—the covered life is the annuitant on the contract or rider effective date. All age-contingent benefit provisions are based on the attained age of the oldest covered life.

Joint/Spousal Continuation Election:

If a natural owner—the covered life is both the spouses (as defined by Federal Law). All age-contingent benefit provisions are based on the attained age of the youngest covered life.

Issues Rules

Issue rules are set forth to provide a more complete understanding of one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these issue rules are set forth for illustrative purposes only and that other rules may be utilized. Accordingly, the issue rules set forth below should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

The issue rules may include a maximum issue age. Benefit option 1 is where the riders are not available if any covered life or annuitant is age 81 (or other predetermined age) or greater on the rider effective date. For benefit option 2, these riders are not available if any covered life or annuitant is age 76 (or other predetermined age) or greater on the rider effective date. The rider may be elected on contract issue or post-issue.

Single Life Election: No additional requirements

Joint/Spousal Continuation Election: (this may also include co-annuitants)

One of the following must apply:

-   -   If a natural owner purchases joint/spousal election, and adds a         spousal joint owner, then the owner can name anyone else as the         designated beneficiary because by contract disposition, the         joint owner will receive the death benefit.     -   If a natural owner purchases joint/spousal election, and does         not add a joint owner, then the owner must name their spouse as         the designated beneficiary.     -   If a non-natural owner purchases joint/spousal election, then         the annuitant's spouse must be the designated beneficiary.         A joint owner who is not the owner's spouse is not allowed.         Calculation of the Withdrawal Percent (WP)

The Withdrawal Percent (WP) is used to determine the amount of the lifetime benefit payment. The WP is determined at the later of: the attained age of the covered life on the most recent contract anniversary prior to the first withdrawal, or the contract anniversary immediately following the covered life's 60^(th) birthday (or other predetermined age). Below is a brief summary of the WP for single life election and joint/spousal continuation election.

Single Life Election: (Note: the following percentages and ages, if ages are in fact used, can vary)

-   -   5.0% for attained ages 60 to 64;     -   5.5% for attained ages 65 to 69;     -   6.0% for attained ages 70 to 74;     -   6.5% for attained ages 75 to 79;     -   7.0% for attained ages 80 and above.         Joint/Spousal Continuation Election:     -   4.5% for attained ages 60 to 64;     -   5.0% for attained ages 65 to 69;     -   5.5% for attained ages 70 to 74;     -   6.0% for attained ages 75 to 79;     -   6.5% for attained ages 80 and above.         Calculation of the Payment Base (PB)

The Payment Base (PB) (or more accurately payment base value) is the amount used to determine the lifetime benefit payment (LBP) and the rider charge. A total partial surrender amount in a contract year that exceeds the LBP by not more than $0.12 (the tolerance amount) will be deemed not more than the LBP. This provision recognizes that owners may take the LBP in installments over the year, and the amount of installment may round the proportional distribution amount to the higher cent. Therefore, owners intended to stay within the LBP may exceed it by only a few cents.

The maximum PB is $5,000,000. If the rider is effective on the contract issue date, then the PB equals the X% of the initial premium. If the rider is effective after the contract issue date, then the PB equals 100% of the dollar amount of the contract value on the rider effective date, less any payment enhancements received in the last 12 months. When subsequent premium payments are received, the PB will be increased by 100% of the dollar amount of the subsequent premium payment.

Whenever a partial surrender is made prior to the contract anniversary immediately following the covered life's 60^(th) birthday (or other predetermined age), the payment base is reduced for an adjustment defined below. The threshold is 5% single/4.5% joint/spousal multiplied by the greater of the payment base or contract value at the beginning of the contract year plus subsequent premiums prior to a partial surrender. For cumulative partial surrenders during each contract year that are equal to or less than the threshold, the adjustment is equal to the dollar amount of the partial surrender. For any partial surrender that first causes cumulative partial surrenders during the contract year to exceed the threshold, the adjustment is the dollar amount of the partial surrender that does not exceed the threshold. For the portion of the withdrawal that exceeds the threshold, the adjustment is a factor. The factor is as follows:

-   -   1−(A/(B−C)) where     -   A=partial surrenders during the contract year in excess of the         threshold;     -   B=contract value immediately prior to the partial surrender; and     -   C=the threshold, less any prior partial surrenders during the         contract year. If C results in a negative number, C becomes         zero.         For partial surrenders during each contract year, where the sum         of prior partial surrenders are in excess of the threshold, the         adjustment is a factor. The factor is applied to the payment         base immediately before the surrender. The factor is as follows:     -   1−(A/B) where         -   A=the amount of the partial surrender; and         -   B=contract value immediately prior to the partial surrender.             Whenever a partial surrender is made on or after the             contract anniversary immediately following the covered             life's 60^(th) birthday (or other predetermined age), the PB             will be equal to the amount determined as follows:     -   If the total partial surrenders since the most recent contract         anniversary are equal to or less than the current lifetime         benefit payment (LBP), the PB is not reduced by the amount of         the partial surrender.     -   If the total partial surrenders since the most recent contract         anniversary are more than the current LBP, but all partial         surrenders were paid under the Automatic Income Required Minimum         Distribution (AI RMD), the PB is not reduced by the amount of         partial surrender.         For any partial surrender that first causes cumulative partial         surrenders during the contract year to exceed the current LBP,         and the RMD exception above does not apply, the adjustment is a         factor. The factor is as follows:     -   1—(A/(B−C)) where         -   A=partial surrenders during the contract year in excess of             the LBP;         -   B=contract value immediately prior to the partial surrender;             and         -   C=the LBP, less any prior partial surrenders during the             contract year. If C results in a negative number, C becomes             zero.             For additional partial surrender(s) in a contract year,             where the sum of all prior partial surrenders exceed the             current LBP, the PB will be reduced by applying a factor.             The factor is as follows:     -   1−(A/B) where         -   A=the amount of the partial surrender; and         -   B=contract value immediately prior to the partial surrender.             Benefit Increase Provision             Benefit Option 1

The withdrawal percent will be set at the attained age of the first withdrawal and will not increase thereafter.

Benefit Option 2

The benefit increase is facilitated through an increase in the payment base. On every contract anniversary up to and including the contract anniversary immediately following the covered life's 80^(th) birthday (or other predetermined age), whether an increase in the PB is applicable will be automatically determined. If an increase is applicable, the PB will be automatically increased by the factor below, subject to a minimum of zero and a maximum of 10% (note: the percentage could change or it could be a full step up (no limit)):

-   -   (contract value prior to rider charge taken on current         anniversary/maximum contract value)−1         -   where the maximum contract value equals the greater of (A)             or (B) below:             -   (A) the contract value on the rider effective date, plus                 premiums received after the rider effective date; or             -   (B) the contract value on each subsequent contract                 anniversary, excluding the current contract anniversary                 plus premiums received after the contract anniversary                 date. (Similar to MAV except that there is no adjustment                 for withdrawals.)                 The WP is locked in on the date of the first withdrawal.                 Calculation of the Lifetime Benefit Payment

The Lifetime Benefit Payment (LBP) is available until the death of any covered life or until the withdrawal benefit is revoked.

A total partial surrender amount in a contract year that exceeds the LBP by not more than $0.12 (the “tolerance amount”) will be deemed not more than the LBP. This provision recognizes that owners may take the LBP in installments over the year, and the amount of installment may round the proportional distribution amount to the higher cent. Therefore, owners intending to stay within the LBP may exceed it by only a few cents. On the rider effective date:

-   -   If the covered life is age 60 (or other predetermined age) or         older on the rider effective date, the LBP is equal to the         payment base multiplied by the WP for the covered life's         attained age.     -   If the covered life is age 59 (or other predetermined age) or         younger on the rider effective date, the LBP is equal to zero.

On any contract anniversary immediately following the covered life's 60^(th) birthday (or other predetermined age), the LBP is equal to the WP multiplied by the greater of payment base or the contract value on the anniversary for both the age-based and the market-based riders, single and spousal. The LBP can fluctuate year to year due to market performance, but will never be lower than the WP multiplied by the PB as long as the covered life has reached the age of 60 (or other predetermined age). Also, if the account value on the anniversary exceeds the PB, the LBP may decrease in future years but will never be less than the PB multiplied by the WP.

When a subsequent premium payment is made after the contract anniversary immediately following the covered life's 60^(th) Birthday (or other predetermined age), the LBP is equal to the greater of: (i) the WP, on the most recent contract anniversary, multiplied by the greater of the PB or contract value immediately after the subsequent premium is received, or (ii) the prior LBP.

Whenever a partial surrender is made on or after the contract anniversary immediately following the covered life's 60^(th) birthday (or other predetermined age), if the PB is zero due to withdrawals, the LBP is equal to zero. During the deferral stage, subsequent premiums may be made to re-establish the PB and the LBP. The LBP will be equal to the amount determined in either one as follows:

-   -   If the total partial surrenders since the most recent contract         anniversary are equal to or less than the current lifetime         benefit payment (LBP), the LBP is equal to the LBP immediately         prior to the partial surrender.     -   If the total partial surrenders since the most recent contract         anniversary are more than the current LBP, but all partial         surrenders were paid under the Automatic Income Required Minimum         Distribution (AI RMD), the provisions of above will apply.     -   If the total partial surrenders since the most recent contract         anniversary are more than the current LBP and the AI RMD         exception above does not apply, the LBP is reset to the WP on         the most recent contract anniversary multiplied by the greater         of the PB or contract value immediately after the partial         surrender.

The contract owner may request an amount less than, equal to, or greater than the lifetime benefit payment. Total partial surrenders taken during a contract year on or after the contract anniversary immediately following the covered life's 60^(th) birthday (or other predetermined age) which exceed the LBP may reduce future LBP values and may reduce the PB. If the total amount requested by the contract owner during a contract year is less than the lifetime benefit payment, the excess cannot be carried over to increase future years' lifetime benefit payments.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC)—Free UP to the Amount of the LBP

If the LBP exceeds the actual withdrawal amount (AWA) on the most recent contract anniversary, any contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) will be waived up to the LBP amount.

Death Benefit Before Annuity Commencement Date

For both single and joint/spousal election, a death benefit may be available on the death of any owner or annuitant. For joint/spousal election only, no death benefit will be available when a covered life is the beneficiary, and the beneficiary dies. The death benefit provision guarantees that upon death, a death benefit (DB) equal to the greater of the death benefit or the contract value will be paid as of the date proof of death is received. The rider charge is not assessed on death. When proof of death is processed, the contract will go into suspense mode. No charges will apply during that period. The amount available to be paid as a death benefit under the terms of the rider is a return of the premium adjusted for subsequent premium payments and partial surrenders.

If the rider is effective on the contract issue date, then the DB equals the initial premium. If the rider is effective after the contract issue date, then the DB equals 100% of the dollar amount of the contract value on the rider effective date, less any bonus payments paid into the contract by the company in the last 12 months. When a subsequent premium payment is received, the DB will be increased by 100% of the dollar amount of the subsequent premium payment.

If the withdrawal feature is revoked, all future withdrawals from the death benefit will be fully proportional as of the date it is revoked.

Whenever a partial surrender is made prior to the contract anniversary immediately following the covered life's 60^(th) birthday (or other predetermined age), the death benefit is reduced for an adjustment defined below. (For “threshold” definition, please see “Calculation of the Payment Base” at page 19). For cumulative partial surrenders during each contract year that are equal to or less than the threshold, the adjustment is the dollar amount of the partial surrender. For any partial surrender that first causes cumulative partial surrenders during the contract year to exceed the threshold, the adjustment is the dollar amount of the partial surrender that does not exceed the threshold and the adjustment for the remaining portion of the partial surrender is a factor. The factor is applied to the portion of the death benefit that exceeds the threshold. The factor is as follows:

-   -   1−(A/(B−C)) where         -   A=partial surrenders during the contract year in excess of             the threshold;         -   B=contract value immediately prior to the partial surrender;             and         -   C=the threshold less any prior partial surrenders during the             contract year. If C results in a negative number, C becomes             zero.             For partial surrenders during each contract year, where the             sum of the prior partial surrenders in the year are in             excess of the threshold, the adjustment is a factor. The             factor is applied to the adjusted death benefit immediately             before the surrender. The factor is as follows:     -   1−(A/B) where         -   A=the amount of the partial surrender; and         -   B=contract value immediately prior to the partial surrender.             Whenever a partial surrender is made on or after the             contract anniversary immediately following the covered             life's 60^(th) birthday (or other predetermined age), the DB             will be equal to the amount determined as follows:     -   If the total partial surrenders since the most recent contract         anniversary are equal to or less than the current lifetime         benefit payment (LBP), the DB becomes the DB immediately prior         to the partial surrender, less the amount of partial surrender,         less the amount of partial surrender paid out of the general         account of the company.     -   If the total partial surrenders since the most recent contract         anniversary are more than the current LBP, but all partial         surrenders were paid under the Automatic Income RMD (AI RMD),         the DB becomes the DB immediately prior to the partial         surrender, less the amount of partial surrender, less the amount         of partial surrender paid out of the general account of the         company.     -   If the total partial surrenders since the most recent contract         anniversary exceed the total current LBP and the AI RMD         exception does not apply, the adjustment is the dollar amount of         the partial surrender that does not exceed the LBP, and the         adjustment for the remaining portion of the partial surrender is         a factor. The factor is applied to the portion of the death         benefit that exceeds the LBP. The factor is as follows:     -   1−(A/(B−C)) where         -   A=partial surrenders during the contract year in excess of             the LBP;         -   B=contract value immediately prior to the partial surrender;             and         -   C=LBP less any prior partial surrenders during the contract             year. If C results in a negative number, C=zero.             For partial surrenders during each contract year, where the             sum of the prior partial surrenders in the year are in             excess of the current LBP, the adjustment is a factor. The             factor for adjustments for partial surrenders for the death             benefit is applied to the adjusted death benefit immediately             before the surrender. The factor is as follows:     -   1−(A/B) where         -   A=the amount of the partial surrender; and         -   B=contract value immediately prior to the partial surrender.             Contract Value (CV) Reduces Below Minimum Contract             Value (MCV) Rules

The minimum contract value (MCV) rules are an optional feature of the present invention and do not apply to the preferred embodiments. If the MCV rules are selected to be applied, then the following rules are used. The MCV is defined as 20% or some other percentage of the relevant life's payment base on the date of a withdrawal request. Lifetime benefit payments (LBP) cannot reduce the contract value (CV) below this minimum threshold. Only sub-account performance and withdrawals in excess of the LBP can decrease the CV below the MCV.

If total partial surrenders since the most recent contract anniversary are less than or equal to the difference between the CV and the MCV, the CV will be reduced by the total partial surrender. If the CV at the time of a partial surrender is less than or equal to the MCV, the CV will not be decreased for the partial surrender. The requested partial surrender will be paid out of the general account assets of the company. If the CV immediately before the partial surrender is greater than the MCV, but would drop below the MCV after the partial surrender, the CV will be liquidated to pay the LBP only to the extent it would equal the MCV. The remaining portion of the LBP that is not funded by the CV will be paid out of the general account assets of the company.

Covered Life Change(s)

A covered life change is any contractual change before the ACD which causes a change (defined infra) in the covered life that will result in a reset in the benefits provided under the rider and allows the imposition of the fund allocation restrictions. Covered life changes in the first 6 months of the contract issue date (or other time period) will not cause a change in the DB or PB. However, the WP and LBP may change based on the attained age of the covered life after the covered life change.

If the covered life is changed and a withdrawal has been taken, both within the first 6 months from contract issue date (or other time period), then the LBP and WP will be calculated at the time of the covered life change and will be based on the new covered life's attained age on the rider effective date. If the covered life is changed and a withdrawal has not been taken, both within the first 6 months from contract issue date (or other time period), then the LBP and WP will be calculated upon the first withdrawal as follows:

-   -   If the first withdrawal is after the first 6 months and before         the first contract anniversary (or other time period), then the         LBP and WP will be based on the new covered life's attained age         on the rider effective date.     -   If the first withdrawal occurs after the first contract         anniversary, then the LBP and WP will be calculated based on the         new covered life's attained age on the most recently attained         contract anniversary.     -   If the oldest covered life after the change is greater than the         age limitation of the rider at the time of the change, then the         rider will terminate and the death benefit will be equal to         contract value.         Single Life Election.

Covered life changes after the first 6 months of contract issue date will cause a reset in the benefits listed below.

If the oldest covered life after the change is equal to or less than age limitation of the rider at the time of the change, then either below will automatically apply.

-   -   If the rider is not currently available for sale, the withdrawal         feature of the rider will be revoked.         -   The existing rider will continue with respect to the death             benefit only.         -   The death benefit will be recalculated to the lesser of             contract value or the DB on the effective date of the             covered life change.         -   The rider charge is assessed on the revocation date, and             then will no longer be assessed.     -   If the rider is currently available for sale, the existing rider         will continue with respect to all benefits, at the current rider         charge.         -   The PB will be reset to the minimum of the contract value or             the PB on the date of the change.         -   The DB will be reset to the minimum of the contract value or             the DB on the date of the change.         -   The WP and LBP will be recalculated on the date of the             change and will be based on:             -   If withdrawals are taken prior to the first contract                 anniversary, the new covered life's attained age on the                 rider effective date will be used.             -   If withdrawals are taken after the first contract                 anniversary, the new covered life's attained age on the                 contract anniversary prior to the first withdrawal will                 be used.         -   The maximum contract value will be recalculated to equal the             contact value on the date of the covered life change.

If the oldest covered life after the change is greater than the age limitation of the rider at the time of the change, then the rider will terminate, and the death benefit will be equal to contract value. If the rider is no longer available for sale and the issue age of the rider has been changed (to be determined on a non-discriminatory basis), and a covered life change occurs, and they exceed that newly determined age limitation, then the rider will terminate, and the death benefit will be equal to contract value.

Joint/Spousal Continuation Election:

After the first 6 months of contract issue date, if the owner and owner's spouse are no longer married for reasons other than death, then covered life changes may occur as follows:

-   -   If surrenders have not been taken from the contract, then the         PB, the DB and the MCV remain the same; the covered life will be         reset and the WP scale will be based on the youngest covered         life as of the date of the change. Owner may remove owner's         spouse as a covered life. Owner may replace owner's original         spouse with owner's new spouse. These changes do not have to         happen on the same day.     -   If surrenders have been taken from the contract, then owner may         remove owner's spouse. The PB, the DB and the MCV remain the         same; the WP scale will be based on the attained age of the         remaining covered life as of the date of the change. Any changes         other than removing the spouse will follow the rules below.     -   If the oldest covered life/after the change is greater (older)         than the age limitation of the rider at the time of the change,         then the rider will terminate. The death benefit will be equal         to the contract value.     -   If any other contractual change causes a change in the covered         life, then either will automatically apply:         -   If the oldest covered life after the change is equal to or             less (younger) than the age limitation of the rider at the             time of the change, then the withdrawal feature of this             rider will be revoked. The existing rider will continue with             respect to the death benefit only. The rider charge is             assessed on the revocation date, and then will no longer be             assessed.         -   If the oldest covered life after the change is greater             (older) than the age limitation of the rider at the time of             the change, then the rider will terminate. The death benefit             will be equal to the contract value.     -   If the rider is no longer available for sale and the issue age         of the rider is changed (to be determined on a         non-discriminatory basis), and a covered life change occurs, and         they exceed that newly determined age limitation, then the rider         will terminate, and the death benefit will be equal to the         contract value.     -   If the spouse dies and is the primary beneficiary and the         covered life, then the owner may remove the spouse from the         contract. The PB, DB and the maximum contract value will remain         the same. The WP will be recalculated as follows:         -   If there has been a partial surrender since the rider             effective date, then WP will remain at the current             percentage.         -   If there has not been a partial surrender since the rider             effective date, then WP will be based on the attained age of             the remaining covered life on the contract anniversary prior             to the first surrender.             Spousal Continuation             Single Life Election:

In the event the contract owner dies and spousal continuation is elected, the contract value will increase to the DB value (the greater of the contract value and the DB). The covered life will be re-determined on the date of the continuation. If the covered life is less than age 81 (or other predetermined age) at the time of the continuation, then either of the below will automatically apply:

-   -   If the rider is not currently available for sale, the withdrawal         feature of the rider will be revoked. The existing rider will         continue with respect to the death benefit only. The rider         charge is not assessed on the revocation date, and then is no         longer assessed.     -   If the rider is currently available for sale, the existing rider         will continue with respect to all benefits at the current rider         charge.         The payment base and the death benefit will be set equal to the         contract value on the continuation date. The LBP and WP will be         recalculated on the continuation date. The WP will be         recalculated based on the age of the oldest covered life on the         effective date of the spousal continuation. If the WP had         previously been locked in, then it will become unlocked and can         change based on the next withdrawal. The maximum contract value         will be set to the contract value on the continuation date. If         the covered life is greater than or equal to age 81 (or other         predetermined age) at the time of the continuation, the rider         will terminate. The death benefit will be equal to the contract         value.         Joint/Spousal Continuation Election.

In the event that the contract owner dies and spousal continuation is elected, the contract value will increase to the DB value (the greater of the contract value and the DB). The spouse may do the following.

The spouse may elect to continue the existing rider with respect to all benefits, at the current contract rider charge. The payment base will be equal to the greater of contract value or payment base on the continuation date. The LBP will be recalculated to equal the withdrawal percent multiplied by the greater of contract value or payment base on the continuation date. The maximum contract value will be the greater of the payment base or the contract value on the continuation date. The DB will be equal to the bumped up contract value on the continuation date.

The WP recalculation rule is as follows:

-   -   The WP will remain at the current percentage if there has been a         partial surrender since the rider effective date.     -   If there has not been a partial surrender, the WP will be based         on the attained age of the remaining covered life on the         contract anniversary prior to the first surrender/withdrawal.

The contract owner cannot name a new owner on the contract. The contract owner can name a new beneficiary on the contract. Any new beneficiary added to the contract will not be taken into consideration as a covered life. The rider will terminate upon the death of the surviving covered life.

Alternatively, the spouse can elect to continue the contract and revoke the withdrawal feature of the rider. The charge is assessed on revocation date, and then is no longer assessed.

The covered life will be re-determined on the date of the continuation date for death benefit purposes. If the covered life is greater than the age limitation at the time of continuation, the rider will terminate. The death benefit will be equal to contract value.

Effect of Death of the Owner or the Annuitant Before the Annuity Commencement Date

The following tables describe the effect of death of the owner or the annuitant before the annuity commencement date for the single life election and the joint/spousal continuation election.

TABLE 1 Single Life Election: If the Deceased is And . . . And . . . Then the . . . Contract There is a The annuitant is living Joint contract owner Owner surviving or deceased receives the DB, rider contract owner terminates Contract There is no The annuitant is living Rider terminates, Owner surviving or deceased designated beneficiary contract owner receives DB Contract There is no The annuitant is living Rider terminates, Owner surviving or deceased estate receives DB contract owner or beneficiary Annuitant Contract owner There is no contingent Contract continues, no is living annuitant and the DB is paid, rider contract owner continues becomes the contingent annuitant Annuitant Contract owner There is no contingent Rider terminates, is living annuitant and the contract owner receives contract owner waives DB their right become the contingent annuitant Annuitant Contract owner Contingent annuitant is Contingent annuitant is living living becomes annuitant and the contract and rider continues Annuitant Contract owner There is no contingent Contract owner is non-natural annuitant receives DB, rider person terminates

TABLE 2 Joint/Spousal Continuation Election: Contingent Annuitant becomes Annuitant If the annuitant dies where there is a contingent annuitant (who is different from the owner/annuitant), then the rider continues and all provisions of the rider remain the same, there are no resets nor DBs paid. Upon the death of the last surviving covered life, a DB is paid to the beneficiary, and the rider terminates. If the Deceased is . . . And . . . And . . . Then the . . . Contract There is a The annuitant is The surviving contract Owner surviving living or deceased owner continues the contract owner contract and rider, the contract value increases to the death benefit value. Contract There is no The annuitant is If the spouse is the Owner surviving living or deceased sole primary contract owner beneficiary, follow spousal continuation rules for joint life elections Contract There is no The annuitant is Rider terminates, Owner surviving living or deceased estate receives DB contract owner or beneficiary Annuitant Contract owner is If the spouse is the non-natural sole primary person beneficiary, follow spousal continuation rules for joint life elections Annuitant The owner is There is a living The rider continues; living contingent upon the death of the annuitant last surviving covered life, the rider will terminate. Effect of Death After the Annuity Commencement Date.

The following tables describe the effect of death after the annuity commencement date for single life election and joint/spousal continuation election.

TABLE 3 Single Life Election: If the Deceased is And . . . And . . . Then the . . . Annuitant The annuitant is Fixed lifetime and The lifetime also the period certain is contingency ceases. contract owner elected The remaining DB is paid under period certain.

TABLE 4 Joint/Spousal Continuation Election. If the Deceased is . . . And . . . And . . . Then the . . . Annuitant The annuitant is also the Fixed lifetime and period The lifetime benefit contract owner, and certain is elected ceases. The remaining there is no surviving DB is paid under joint annuitant period certain. Annuitant The annuitant is also the Fixed joint and survivor Lifetime benefit contract owner, and lifetime and period certain continues until death there is a surviving joint is elected of last surviving annuitant annuitant Fund Allocation Restrictions

Fund allocation and investment in any investment option may be restricted in the event of a change of covered life after six months. If the investment option restriction is imposed, a contract owner (may) have the following options. The contract owner may (i) reallocate all existing money and all new premium to a non-restricted investment option, an available asset allocation program, or fund-of-fund investment option from time to time, or (ii) the contract owner may revoke the withdrawal feature. If the restrictions are violated, the withdrawal feature will be revoked. The death benefit continues as is upon the date of revocation.

Aggregation.

For purposes of determining the PB under the rider, one or more deferred variable annuity contracts issued to the owner with the rider attached in the same calendar year may be treated as one contract. If the contracts are aggregated, the period over which withdrawals are measured against the payment benefit will change.

The effective date of the election until the end of the calendar year will be treated as a contract year for the purposes of the LBP limit. A pro rata rider charge will be taken at the end of that calendar year. As long as total withdrawals in that period do not exceed the LBP, the withdrawals will not necessitate a reset.

In future calendar years, the LBP limits will be aggregated and will be on a calendar year basis. In other words, withdrawals under all aggregated contracts in a calendar year will be compared against the combined LBP limits for the aggregated contracts. If withdrawals exceed those combined limits, the aggregate PB will be set to the combined contract values of the aggregated contracts. The LBP will then equal the withdrawal percent multiplied by the new PB.

If withdrawals do not exceed those combined limits, each withdrawal will reduce the PB dollar for dollar. The withdrawal benefits relating to the contract value reaching zero will not apply until the contract value of all aggregated contracts reaches zero. The rider charge will be taken at the end of each calendar year. It will be deducted pro rata from all of the sub-accounts and fixed accounts of the aggregated contracts. If the contract values of all aggregated contracts are reduced below the minimum account rules in effect, the annuity options as defined earlier in this specification will be offered. The options will pay the combined LBP.

Annuity Commencement Date.

If the annuity reaches the maximum ACD, which is the later of the 10^(th) contract anniversary and the date the annuitant reaches age 90, the contract must be annuitized unless it is agreed upon to extend the ACD. In this circumstance, the contract may be annuitized under standard annuitization rules, but under no circumstances will the amount payable be less than your LBP, provided that the certain period does not exceed the death benefit remaining at the ACD divided by the LBP.

Single Life Election:

A fixed lifetime and period certain payout will be issued. The lifetime portion will be based on the covered life determined at the ACD. The covered life is the annuitant for this payout option. If there is more than one covered life then the lifetime portion will be based on both covered lives. The covered lives will be the annuitant and joint annuitant for this payout option. The lifetime portion will terminate on the first death of the two. The minimum amount paid under this annuity option will at least equal the remaining DB under this rider.

If the oldest annuitant is age 59 (or other predetermined age) or younger, the date the payments begin will be automatically deferred until the oldest annuitant attains age 60 (or other predetermined age) and is eligible to receive payments in a fixed dollar amount until the later of the death of any annuitant or a minimum number of years. If the annuitant(s) are alive and age 60 (or other predetermined age) or older, payments will be received in a fixed dollar amount until the later of the death of any annuitant or a minimum number of years. The minimum number of years that payments will be made is equal to the remaining DB under this rider divided by the product of the payment base on the ACD multiplied by the greater of the WP and 5% single (4½% joint/spousal).

${Single}\mspace{14mu}{Election}\text{:}\mspace{20mu}\frac{DB}{{PB} \times {{Max}\left( {{WP},{5\%}} \right)}}$ ${Joint}\text{/}{Spousal}\mspace{14mu}{Election}\text{:}\mspace{20mu}{\frac{DB}{{PB} \times {{Max}\left( {{WP},{4\;\frac{1}{2}\%}} \right)}}.}$ This annualized amount will be paid over the greater of the minimum number of years, or until the death of any annuitant, in the frequency that is elected. The frequencies will be among those offered by the issuing company at that time but will be no less frequently than annually. If, at the death of any annuitant, payments have been made for less than the minimum number of years, the remaining scheduled period certain payments will be made to the beneficiary. A lump sum option is not available. Joint/Spousal Continuation Election:

The minimum amount paid to the annuitant under this annuity option will at least equal the DB under the rider. If the younger annuitant is alive and age 59 (or other predetermined age) or younger, the date that payments begin will be automatically deferred until the younger annuitant attains age 60 (or other predetermined age) and is eligible to receive payments in a fixed dollar amount until the death of the last surviving annuitant or a minimum number of years. If the annuitants are alive and the younger annuitant is age 60 or older (or other predetermined age), payments will be received in a fixed dollar amount until the death of the last surviving annuitant or a minimum number of years. The minimum number of years that payments will be made is equal to the remaining DB under this rider divided by the LBP at annuitization.

This annualized amount will be paid over the greater of the minimum number of years, or until the death of the last surviving annuitant, in the frequency that annuitant elects. The frequencies will be among those offered at that time but will be no less frequently than annually. If, at the death of the last surviving annuitant, payments have been made for less than the minimum number of years, the remaining scheduled period certain payments will be made to the beneficiary. A lump sum option is not available. If both spouses are alive, a fixed joint and survivor lifetime and period certain payout will be issued. The covered life and covered life's spouse will be the annuitant and joint annuitant for this payout option. The lifetime benefit will terminate on the last death of the two. If one spouse is alive, owner will be issued a fixed lifetime and period certain payout. The lifetime portion will be based on the covered life. The covered life is the annuitant for this payout option. The lifetime benefit will terminate on the last death of the covered life.

Revoking the Withdrawal Feature

Benefit Option 1

At any time following the earlier of spousal continuation or fifth anniversary of the rider effective date, the contract owner may elect to revoke the withdrawal feature of the rider. The payment base will go to zero and the withdrawal percent will go to zero, and LBP will go to zero.

On the date the withdrawal feature is revoked, a pro rata share of the rider charge is equal to the rider charge percentage multiplied by the PB, multiplied by the number days since the last charge was assessed, divided by 365. The rider charge will be assessed on the revocation date, and then will no longer be assessed. The death benefit continues as is upon the date of the revocation. No other living benefit may be elected upon the revocation of the withdrawal feature.

Benefit Option 2

The contract owner can not elect to revoke the withdrawal feature. However, the withdrawal feature can be revoked in certain circumstances. See specific sections on ownership and spousal continuation.

Additional Annuity Contract(s) Rules

Additional terms of the contract(s) or rider(s) include the following. The benefits under the contract cannot be assigned. If the free look provision under the contract is exercised, the rider will terminate. The employee gross-up is not considered premium for purposes of the payment base and death benefit. Payment enhancements are not considered premium for purposes of the payment base and death benefit. Front-end loads are not taken from the premium for purposes of the payment base and death benefit.

Subject to state approval, a rider will be made available on all currently available products issued on or after the date the rider is launched for sale in the state of issue. This does not imply post-issue election. Post-issue election will be determined on an as needed basis. See product requirements for a complete list.

Prior company approval is required on all subsequent premium payments received after the first 12 months. Any subsequent premium payment(s) which brings the total cumulative subsequent premiums in excess of $100,000 will not be accepted without prior approval. Payment enhancements and employee gross-up are not to be included in premium total.

Where post-issue election occurs, if the rider effective date is after the contract issue date, then the period between the rider effective date and the next contract anniversary will constitute a contract year.

It should be understood that as used herein the term “periodically” in certain aspects may refer to only being performed once. In other aspects, “periodically” may refer to steps being performed more than once as described herein.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates the manner in which a new annuity contract application is processed. The new application processing routine starts (block 102) when an application is completed. The annuity contract application and initial premium are received by the insurance company (block 104). The annuity contract is then established through the contract establishing routine (block 106) as further described in FIG. 2. After the annuity contract is established, the account value is then set up through the account value set routine (block 108), via the computer systems, as further specified in FIG. 3. Thereafter customer communication is established through the customer communication routine (block 110) as further specified in FIG. 4. The application processing routine ends at (block 112).

FIG. 2 is a flow chart that illustrates in more detail the manner in which an annuity contract is established. The annuity contract establishing routine starts at (block 202). After receiving the annuity contract application, customer demographics are determined (block 204). The customer demographics and other data from the annuity contract application are transmitted to the insurance company by any suitable means, such as electronic transmission, facsimile transmission, telephonic transmission, and the like. The customer demographics may be scanned in or electronically entered into the computer system by the insurance company after the demographic data is determined. Such demographic information may include age, gender, date of birth, social security number, address, marital status, and the like. The customer demographics may be used for a variety of purposes, such as identification purposes or to locate a relevant life by searching his/her social security number. The customer demographics are also used when determining and/or calculating a variety of factors that are related to the annuity contract, such as benefit amount calculations, tax considerations, and the like. The types of customer demographics that are determined are generally related to the type of annuity contract application that is filled out by the relevant life. The specific product election is determined (block 206). For example, the specific product may be elected from a group of different variable annuity products which each have different characteristics including the costs and fees as well as the liquidity features associated therewith. The election of optional riders is determined (block 208). For example, the optional riders may be elected from a group of different riders which each have various guaranteed withdrawal features. The election of investment options is determined (block 210). For example, the investment options include money market funds, bond funds, stock funds, and the like. The beneficiary is elected (block 212). In one aspect, this is the person who will collect the death benefits, if any. The source of the premium is determined (block 214). For example, the source of the premium may come from the relevant life's personal funds or may come from another annuity in the form of a transfer. It should be understood that the steps taken for establishing the contract may proceed in various orders and that the order shown in FIG. 2 is for illustrative purposes only and is only one embodiment of said steps. The contract establishing routine ends at (block 216).

FIG. 3 is a flow chart that illustrates in more detail the manner in which an account value is set up. The account value set up routine starts at (block 302). The funds are received (block 304). For example, the funds may be received via electronic transfer from a bank account or from another variable annuity holder. The funds are then allocated based on investment elections (block 306). For example, the allocations can be accomplished through a computerized system according to the investment elections by the relevant life. Unit values are established for the annuity contract (block 308). For example, based on the performance of the underlying investment elections, unit values are established, preferably on a daily basis, for use in determining the resulting impact on the relevant life's annuity contract based on their specific fund allocations. For example the number of units that are applied to each annuity contract is different for each relevant life based on the number of units held within the annuity contract. It should be understood that the steps taken for setting up the account value may proceed in various orders and that the order shown in FIG. 3 is for illustrative purposes only and is only one embodiment of said steps. The account value set up routine ends at (block 310).

FIG. 4 is a flow chart that illustrates in more detail the manner in which customer communication is established. The customer communication routine starts at (block 402). Communications with the customer may be accomplished via email, facsimile, letter, telephone, and the like. Communication with the customer in one aspect relates to the issuing of the contract (block 404). Communication with the customer in one aspect relates to the relevant confirmation of the previous contract issuance communication (block 406). Any regulatory-imposed communication with the client is accomplished (block 408). It should be understood that the steps taken for establishing customer communication may proceed in various orders and that the order shown in FIG. 4 is for illustrative purposes only and is only one embodiment of said steps. The customer communication routine ends at (block 410).

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the appropriate steps after a withdrawal is requested. The withdrawal processing routine starts at (block 502). A withdrawal is first requested by the relevant life at (block 504). The withdrawal is then processed according to the contract rules (block 506). The contract rules are embedded in a computer system or the like and vary according to the type of annuity contract. For example, in certain embodiments, a requested withdrawal amount by the relevant life may be limited by the contract rules to a specific withdrawal percent that is applied by the computer system, and wherein the contract rules specify the withdrawal percent according to the age of the relevant life or the number of years since the contract was established. Therefore, the contract rules govern the data flow in the computer system. The contract rules are administratively built into the computer system to obviate the need for manual intervention by the insurance company. The account value is reduced according to the contract rules (block 508). The death benefit is reduced according to the contract rules (block 510). The payment base is adjusted according to the contract rules (block 512). The check or other form of payment is issued (block 516). The appropriate tax forms are generated at year end (block 518). It should be understood that the steps taken for processing withdrawals may proceed in various orders and that the order shown in FIG. 5 is for illustrative purposes only and is only one embodiment of said steps. The withdrawal processing routine ends at (block 520).

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprising a data processing method for administering a deferred variable annuity contract. It should be understood that the order of the successive method steps is shown for the sake of illustrating but one example and that the order of method steps can proceed in any variety of order. In one embodiment of the present invention, the invention comprises a data processing method for administering a deferred variable annuity contract for a relevant life, the annuity contract having a payment base value, a contract value, and lifetime benefit payments. The present method begins at step 600. The present method determines a payment base for said annuity contract (block 602) that is a function of the previous premium payments and withdrawals by the relevant life. The present method determines a withdrawal percent for said annuity contract (block 604). If requested by the relevant life, the present method periodically accepts premium payments from the relevant life (block 606) which increase the payment base and the contract value.

If requested by the relevant life and the covered life is older than a predetermined age (i.e. 60 years old), the present method periodically calculates a guaranteed lifetime benefit payment for the relevant life (block 608) which decreases the contract value. If requested by the relevant life, the present method periodically calculates a withdrawal payment (block 610)—that is in excess of the lifetime benefit payment—for the relevant life which decreases each of: the contract value and the payment base. It should be understood that several of the method steps of the present invention (for example blocks 602 and 604) require a computer to use the method of the present invention; that is to say the calculations and appropriate data records must be accomplished by a computer. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the payment base is related to premium payments by the relevant life. A computer receives the payments and processes the appropriate calculations. In one embodiment, the lifetime benefit payment is dependent on a pre-selected withdrawal percent. Preferably, the withdrawal percent is based on the age of the relevant life at the time of the first requested lifetime benefit payment. The annuity commencement date is established according to pre-established rules, subject to certain restrictions. The initial guaranteed death benefit amount is determined by calculations according to the present invention. Preferably, the initial guaranteed death benefit amount is established for calculation purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the initial guaranteed death benefit amount is equal to the payment base. The administration of the deferred variable annuity contract ends at (block 612).

Referring next to FIG. 7, depicted is a preferred embodiment of a system on which the methods of the present invention may be implemented. In one example of the preferred embodiment, the insurance contract generating system 714 would generally be used by an insurance provider 702, however the system may be operated by any individual or organization offering an insurance product as outlined in the present specification without departing from the spirit of the present invention. System 714 may be implemented in many different ways such as part of a single standalone server or as a network server or servers which may be distributed across multiple computing systems and architectures. Preferably, the central processing computer or network server includes at least one controller or central processing unit (CPU or processor), at least one communication port or hub, at least one random access memory (RAM), at least one read-only memory (ROM) and one or more databases or data storage devices. All of these later elements are in communication with the CPU to facilitate the operation of the network server.

The network server may also be configured in a distributed architecture, wherein the server components or modules are housed in separate units or locations. Each of the modules described may be implemented as single servers or one or more or all of the modules may be incorporated into a single server. These servers will perform primary processing functions and contain at a minimum, a RAM, a ROM, and a general controller or processor. In such an embodiment, each server is connected to a communications hub or port that serves as a primary communication link with other servers, clients or user computers and other related devices. The communications hub or port may have minimal processing capability itself, serving primarily as a communications router. A variety of communications protocols may be part of the system, including but not limited to: Ethernet, SAP, SAS™, ATP, Bluetooth, GSM and TCP/IP.

In the preferred embodiment, all of the modules described herein are operably inter-connected via a central communications bus 738. The communications bus 738 is able to receive information from each of the modules, as well as to transmit information from one module to another. The insurance contract generating system 714 further includes a display module 704, and a generating module 706. The generating module is used for generating an insurance contract, wherein the insurance contract provides coverage to an individual or group for at least one event defined in the insurance contract.

The insurance contract generating system 714 additionally includes a payment module 708 for making payments to an insured individual or group for a predetermined period of time as defined by the deferred annuity insurance contract.

The system further comprises a beneficiary module 710 for choosing a beneficiary to receive payments from the insurance provider in the instance of an insured individual's death. Furthermore, the system comprises a dependent module 712 for offering an insurance contract structured according to the methods of the present invention to dependents of an individual eligible for the insurance contract described herein.

Additionally, the insurance contract generating system 714 includes: a storage drive 716 for receiving data stored on a storage disc, a processing module 718 for processing digital data received by and contained in the insurance contract generating system 714, a communication module 720 for bi-directional communication with external and telecommunications systems, a data storage module 722 for storing and managing digital information, a text data input module 724 for inputting data in the form of text, and a data input module 726 for converting to digital format documents and images and inputting them into the insurance contract generating system 714.

Finally, the insurance contract generating system 714 includes: an audio data input module 728 for receiving and inputting audio information, an audio data output module 730 for outputting data in audio format (i.e. recorded speech, synthetically generated speech from digital text, etc), a memory module 732 for temporarily storing information as it is being processed by the processing module 718, a universal serial bus interface module 734 for receiving and transmitting data to and from devices capable of establishing a universal serial bus connection, and a digital data input interface module 736 for receiving data contained in digital storage devices.

Data storage device may include a hard magnetic disk drive, tape, optical storage units, CD-ROM drives, or flash memory. Such data storage devices generally contain databases used in processing transactions and/or calculations in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the database software creates and manages these databases. Insurance-related calculations and/or algorithms of the present invention are stored in storage device and executed by the CPU.

The data storage device may also store, for example, (i) a program (e.g., computer program code and/or a computer program product) adapted to direct the processor in accordance with the present invention, and particularly in accordance with the processes described in detail hereinafter with regard to the controller; (ii) a database adapted to store information that may be utilized to store information required by the program. The database includes multiple records, and each record includes fields that are specific to the present invention such as interest rates, contract value, payment base value, step up percent, premiums, subscribers, payouts, claims, etc.

The program may be stored, for example, in a compressed, an uncompiled and/or an encrypted format, and may include computer program code. The instructions of the program may be read into a main memory of the processor from a computer-readable medium other than the data storage device, such as from a ROM or from a RAM. While execution of sequences of instructions in the program causes the processor to perform the process steps described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions for implementation of the processes of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

Suitable computer program code may be provided for performing numerous functions such as providing a deferred annuity insurance contract to an individual, generating a deferred annuity insurance contract, and making payments to the individual as defined in the deferred annuity insurance contract. The functions described above are merely exemplary and should not be considered exhaustive of the type of function, which may be performed by the computer program code of the present inventions.

The computer program code required to implement the above functions (and the other functions described herein) can be developed by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and is not described in detail herein.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that provides or participates in providing instructions to the processor of the computing device (or any other processor of a device described herein) for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM or EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory), a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the processor (or any other processor of a device described herein) for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over an Ethernet connection, cable line, or even telephone line using a modem. A communications device local to a computing device (or, e.g., a server) can receive the data on the respective communications line and place the data on a system bus for the processor. The system bus carries the data to main memory, from which the processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory may optionally be stored in memory either before or after execution by the processor. In addition, instructions may be received via a communication port as electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals, which are exemplary forms of wireless communications or data streams that carry various types of information.

Servers of the present invention may also interact and/or control one or more user devices or terminals. The user device or terminal may include any one or a combination of a personal computer, a mouse, a keyboard, a computer display, a touch screen, LCD, voice recognition software, or other generally represented by input/output devices required to implement the above functionality. The program also may include program elements such as an operating system, a database management system and “device drivers” that allow the processor to interface with computer peripheral devices (e.g., a video display, a keyboard, a computer mouse, etc).

For example, a user provides instructions for the amount of the living benefit payment that is requested. It should be understood that the user may communicate with the computing system directly or indirectly through another party, such as the insurance provider 702. In the event the user communicates with an insurance provider 702, the insurance provider 702 than receives and transfers information, to and from the insurance contract generating system 714 via the text data input module 724, audio data input module 728, audio data output module 730 and the display module 704. As used herein the data storage module 722 is also referred to as a storage device. The processing module 718 is contained within the insurance contract generating system 714, which is coupled to the storage device, the storage device stores instructions that are utilized by the processor. The instructions comprise: (i) an instruction for determining a present payment base; (ii) an instruction for determining a present contract value; (iii) an instruction for determining a withdrawal percent; and (iv) an instruction for calculating a lifetime benefit payment; wherein the lifetime benefit payment withdrawal is determined according to the following formula:

LBP withdrawal=the greater of:

-   -   “the guaranteed lifetime benefit payment”—(the present payment         base)×(the withdrawal percent); and     -   “the maximum lifetime benefit payment”—(the present contract         value)×(the withdrawal percent).

FIG. 8 shows a table 800 illustrating exemplary lifetime benefit payment values 806, which are illustrated under “Pmt Base” column 812 as a function of time for annuities associated with various step-ups 804, which are illustrated in “step-up %” column 808 both of which are contained within “Step-up Method” column 810. In this example, FIG. 8 illustrates two various withdrawal bases: the account values 814 and lifetime benefit payment values 806. Additionally, as shown in the first row of “Account Value” column 816, the initial investment for this example is $100,000. “Return” column 818 illustrates the hypothetical annual return as a percentage of account values 814, which are illustrated in “Account value” column 816. “Return” column 818 is shown as a positive percentage or a negative percentage, which indicates account value growth or decline, respectively. “Account Value” column 816 illustrates the hypothetical account value for each contract year. The years are tracked in “Year” column 802. For this example, which utilizes the step-up method of the present invention, step-up 804 is applicable if: (i) the present account value is greater than the previous year's account value; and (ii) the present account value is greater than the previously highest attained account value, known as the “high water mark.” If step-up 804 is applicable the account value is increased by step-up 804. Step-up 804 is equal to the present account value divided by the previous year's account value minus 1. Step-up 804 is preferably a rising guarantee, however the maximum step-up 804 for any given year is 10%. For example, although the account value increases by 42% at year 1, the payment base value 806 is only increased by 10% because of the 10% rising guarantee 804. Using these rules, “Step-up Method” column 810 illustrates step-up 804 and new payment base value 806 for each year according to the hypothetical performance of account value 814 represented within “Account Value” column 816. It is important to note that the “high water mark” rules as described herein are applied to the step-up method utilized in the example above with respect to FIG. 8. For example, a step-up will not occur unless the account value increases above the previously highest account value, i.e. the “high water mark”. If the account value decreases for any given year, the payment base does not increase and it does not decrease.

Turning to FIG. 9, shown is table 900, which corresponds with the data in table 800 of FIG. 8. Table 900 illustrates hypothetical lifetime benefit payments, which correspond to various withdrawal bases: the original payment base values 908, the stepped-up payment base values 910 and the contract values 912. It is important to note that the present invention preferably allows the relevant life to select the present payment base (rather than the original payment base) or the present contract value (rather than the original contract value) as the withdrawal base. In the example illustrated by FIG. 8, the payment base does not change from its original value because there are no additional premium payments and there are no withdrawals in excess of the lifetime benefit payments. Therefore, in the example, the present payment base is always equal to the original payment base. However, it should be noted that in some situations the payment base value will change over time from its original value; preferably, the relevant value of interest in the present invention is therefore the present payment base, not the original payment base. In another embodiment, the original payment base is used for the selection of the withdrawal base. The formula used to calculate the lifetime benefit payment amounts is: Lifetime Benefit Payment=Withdrawal Percent×Withdrawal Base, wherein the Withdrawal Percent is 5%. As previously described, the withdrawal percent is used to determine the amount of the lifetime benefit payment. The withdrawal percent is determined at the later of: (i) the attained age of the covered life on the most recent contract anniversary prior to the first withdrawal, or (ii) the contract anniversary immediately following the covered life's 60^(th) birthday (or other predetermined age). In this case, the withdrawal percent was chosen arbitrarily. “% of Original Payment Base” column 902 illustrates the hypothetical lifetime benefit payments according to no step-up provision of the payment base. “% of Stepped-Up Payment Base” column 904 illustrates the hypothetical lifetime benefit payments according to the rules of the step-up method as described above with respect to FIG. 8. “% of Contract Value” column 906 illustrates the hypothetical lifetime benefit payments according to the contract value. The years are tracked in “Year” column 901.

FIG. 10 depicts graph 1000, which further illustrates the effects of various withdrawal bases utilized and corresponds to the data provided by table 800 of FIG. 8 and table 900 of FIG. 9. Furthermore, graph 1000 includes a “Benefit Payment @ 5%” scale 1002, which illustrates “Benefit Payment @ 5%” values 1010, 1012, and 1014 as a function of time 1016 for annuities associated withdrawal bases 1004, 1006, and 1008 respectively. The function of time 1016 is measured in years and is illustrated on the x-coordinate of graph 1000 so as to accurately correspond to table 900 of FIG. 9. For example, graph 1000 illustrates withdrawal “% of Stepped-Up Payment base” as a line with a square symbol, which initially starts at a “Benefit Payment @ 5%” value 1012 of $5,000. At year 1, as displayed on graph 1000, “% of Stepped-Up Payment Base” withdrawal 1006 shows a positive incline from year 0 and illustrates a “Benefit Payment @ 5%” value 1012 of $5,500, which accurately corresponds to the appropriate values represented in table 900 of FIG. 9. Further, as illustrated in graph 1000, “% of Stepped-Up Payment Base” withdrawal 1006 continues to positively incline and stabilize in accordance to the values represented in “% of Stepped-Up Payment base” column 904 as depicted in table 900 of FIG. 9. Accordingly, so long as the investment results in a positive return at some period during the annuity contract, then the “Benefit Payment” will step-up and never decrease until the payment base is decreased due to withdrawals. Additionally, as illustrated by graph 1000, the hypothetical lifetime benefit payments are the highest when using the contract value as the withdrawal base. Conversely, the hypothetical lifetime benefit payments are the lowest when using the original payment base without a step-up as the withdrawal base.

More specifically, the present invention provides the relevant life with the potential for greater lifetime benefit payments because the relevant life can select whether to use the present payment base or the present contract value as the withdrawal base for the calculation of the lifetime benefit payments. It is important to note that for the purposes of illustration, the example represented by FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate hypothetical lifetime benefit payments that are not actually requested. That is, the contract value is never reduced by lifetime benefit payments because none are taken. The contract value simply tracks the performance of the underlying funds. However, it is important to note that the contract value will be reduced by the amount of each lifetime benefit payment that is taken. In some situations, it is possible that the growth of the contract value from positive fund performance will not outperform the impact of the decrease caused by the election of lifetime benefit payments by the relevant life. Accordingly, there may reach a point in time when the present payment base is greater than the present contract value. Therefore, hypothetically the relevant life may take advantage of the value of the contract value earlier in the contract term and then switch to the present payment base later in the contract term when deciding which to use for the withdrawal base. It is important to note that the relevant life can elect to request an amount for the lifetime benefit payment that is less then the available amount for each period.

The following description and examples further illustrate the preferred features of the present invention.

The lifetime benefit payment is paid periodically: such as yearly, quarterly, monthly, weekly, etc. The lifetime benefit payment that is requested by the relevant life for a given period may be any amount greater than zero and equal to or less than the greater of (the payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); and (the present contract value)×(the withdrawal percent). The available lifetime benefit payment is determined at each period by the aforementioned formula.

In most cases, the value of (the payment base)×(the withdrawal percent) will not be equal to (the present contract value)×(the withdrawal percent). Therefore, the higher of these two values is the highest available lifetime benefit payment available for that period. However, the relevant life does not have to elect the highest possible available lifetime benefit payment. The value that is requested, if any, for the lifetime benefit payment for that period will be subtracted from the contract value, but not from the payment base. Therefore, the higher the lifetime benefit payment requested for a period, then the greater the possible impact on the value of (the present contract value)×(the withdrawal percent) for the subsequent period.

Preferably, the withdrawal percent is a function of the relevant life's age. In one embodiment, once the first lifetime benefit payment withdrawal is taken, then the withdrawal percent is fixed for the remainder of the contract. In another embodiment, the withdrawal percent continues to rise with the relevant life's age, no matter if the relevant life has already begun to take lifetime benefit payments. In another embodiment, the withdrawal percent may either increase or decrease over the term of the annuity. Alternatively, the withdrawal percent may fluctuate over the term of the annuity.

In a further embodiment, the present method further comprises the step of collecting a rider fee or collecting an account maintenance fee. In another embodiment, the present method further comprises the step of: calculating a death benefit for a beneficiary upon the death of the relevant life, wherein the death benefit is the greater of: (a) a predetermined guaranteed death benefit amount; and (b), the present contract value. Alternatively, the guaranteed death benefit is paid to the beneficiary only if the relevant life dies during the accumulation phase. Preferably, the value of the annuity payments, if any, equals the value of the last guaranteed lifetime benefit payment.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a deferred variable annuity contract comprising: (a) means for determining a present payment base; (b) means for determining a present contract value; (c) means for determining a withdrawal percent (d) means for calculating a lifetime benefit payment; wherein the lifetime benefit payment withdrawal is determined according to the following formula:

LBP=the greater of:

-   -   “the guaranteed lifetime benefit payment”—(the present payment         base)×(the withdrawal percent); and     -   “the maximum lifetime benefit payment”—(the present contract         value)×(the withdrawal percent).

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises in a system for administering a deferred variable annuity product during the accumulation phase, the improvement comprising: administration means operative to pay a lifetime benefit payment, wherein the lifetime benefit payment withdrawal is determined by the following formula:

LBP=the greater of:

-   -   “the guaranteed lifetime benefit payment”—(the present payment         base)×(the withdrawal percent); and     -   “the maximum lifetime benefit payment”—(the present contract         value)×(the withdrawal percent).

In another embodiment, the annuity product includes a step-up provision wherein the payment base is increased in response to positive performance of the underlying investments of the contract for a given period.

Other formulas may be utilized to determine the available lifetime benefit payment amount, wherein the withdrawal base is related to other values besides the payment base and/or the contract value.

When a lifetime benefit payment withdrawal request is received, a test will be performed to determine the greater of: (i) (the present payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); and (ii) (the present contract value)×(the withdrawal percent). The “guaranteed lifetime benefit payment” is equal to (the present payment base)×(the withdrawal percent); and the “maximum lifetime benefit payment” is equal to (the present contract value)×(the withdrawal percent). The relevant life may request a lifetime benefit payment amount during each period that is up to the greater of the “guaranteed lifetime benefit payment” and the “maximum lifetime benefit payment”. See Example 1 below.

EXAMPLE 1

The following example illustrates one embodiment of the present method and system. The following starting parameters are set for the following example. Such starting parameters are strictly for the purposes of illustration. For example, the withdrawal percentage may be in the range of 0% to 100%, and more preferably in the range of 0% to 50%.

Withdrawal Percentage:

5.0% for attained ages 60 to 64

5.5% for attained ages 65 to 69

6.0% for attained ages 70 to 74

6.5% for attained ages 75 to 79

7.0% for attained ages 80 and above

In the following example, no lifetime benefit payments are requested by the relevant life. The values listed for the “guaranteed lifetime benefit payment” and the “maximum lifetime benefit payment” are simply the maximum available lifetime benefit payments for each period listed.

-   “guaranteed lifetime benefit payment”=(the present payment     base)×(the withdrawal percent) -   “maximum lifetime benefit payment”=(the present contract value)×(the     withdrawal percent)

For the purposes of illustration, the relevant life is 60 years old on Mar. 31, 1983.

TABLE 5 Lifetime Benefit Payment and Guaranteed Lifetime Benefit Payment at Ages 60-63 for Annuity Contract and Related Values During the Following Periods maximum guaranteed lifetime lifetime Age of Premium Contract benefit Payment benefit relevant life Period Ended Payment Value payment Base payment 60 Mar. 31, 1983 100,000 100,000 5,000 100,000 5,000 61 Mar. 31, 1984 —  98,817 4,941 100,000 5,000 62 Mar. 31, 1985 — 112,407 5,620 100,000 5,000 63 Mar. 31, 1986 — 145,528 7,276 100,000 5,000

TABLE 6 Lifetime Benefit Payment and Guaranteed Lifetime Benefit Payment at Ages 64-68 for Annuity Contract and Related Values During the Following Periods maximum guaranteed lifetime lifetime Age of Period Premium Contract benefit Payment benefit relevant life Ended Payment Value payment Base payment 64 Mar. 31, 1987 — 166,825  8,341 100,000 5,000 65 Mar. 31, 1988 — 166,472  9,156 100,000 5,500 66 Mar. 31, 1989 — 185,012 10,176 100,000 5,500 67 Mar. 31, 1990 — 205,801 11,319 100,000 5,500 68 Mar. 31, 1991 — 228,524 12,569 100,000 5,500

Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment and several alternative embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics. 

1. A data processing system for administering a deferred variable annuity contract during the accumulation phase, the annuity contract having a payment base value, and a contract value, said system comprising: a storage device; a processor coupled to the storage device, the storage device storing modules utilized by the processor, for determining a present payment base value, for determining a present contract value, for determining a withdrawal percent, and for calculating a lifetime benefit payment responsive to a request; wherein the available lifetime benefit payment withdrawal, during each of a plurality of periods during the accumulation phase, including periods after a first lifetime benefit payment withdrawal, is greater of ((a value based on the present payment base and the withdrawal percent) or (a value based on the present contract value for the current period and the withdrawal percent)), wherein withdrawals decrease the contract value; the lifetime benefit payment is available until the death of a covered life, and withdrawals during one of the periods during the accumulation phase and not in excess of the available lifetime benefit payment withdrawal do not decrease the present payment base; and wherein the present payment base is increased based on an increase in the current period contract value over a prior period contract value in periods after the first lifetime benefit payment withdrawal, and a periodic increase in the present payment base is limited to a maximum percentage.
 2. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the available benefit payment withdrawal is calculated yearly.
 3. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the benefit payment withdrawal that is requested is less than the available benefit payment withdrawal amount for that period.
 4. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the withdrawal percent is a function of a relevant life's age.
 5. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein once the first lifetime benefit payment withdrawal is taken, the withdrawal percent is fixed for the remainder of the contract.
 6. A system for administering a deferred variable annuity contract during the accumulation phase, the annuity contract having a payment base value, a contract value, comprising: a storage device; a processor coupled to the storage device, the storage device storing modules utilized by the processor, the modules comprising: i. a first module for receiving information from a relevant life in order to establish a deferred variable annuity contract; ii. a second module for receiving lifetime benefit payment withdrawal requests from the relevant life; iii. a third module for calculating a lifetime benefit payment; wherein the available lifetime benefit payment withdrawal, during each of a plurality of periods during the accumulation phase, including periods after a first lifetime benefit payment withdrawal, is greater of ((a value based on the present payment base and the withdrawal percent) or (a value based on the present contract value for the current period and the withdrawal percent)); wherein withdrawals decrease the contract value, and withdrawals during one of the periods during the accumulation phase not in excess of the available lifetime benefit payment withdrawal do not decrease the present payment base, and wherein the present payment base is increased based on an increase in the current period contract value over a prior period contract value in periods after the first lifetime benefit payment withdrawal, and a periodic increase in the present payment base is limited to a maximum percentage.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the withdrawal percent increases over the term of the annuity contract.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the withdrawal percent decreases over the term of the annuity contract.
 9. The system of claim 6, wherein the withdrawal percent fluctuates over the term of the annuity.
 10. A computer implemented data processing method for administering a deferred variable annuity contract during the accumulation phase, the annuity contract having a payment base value, and a contract value, said method comprising the steps of: a. determining by a processor a present payment base value for an annuity contract; b. determining by the processor a present contract value for said annuity contract; c. determining by the processor a withdrawal percent; d. if requested, calculating by the processor a lifetime benefit payment withdrawal for the relevant life which decreases the contract value, wherein the available lifetime benefit payment withdrawal, during each of a plurality of periods during the accumulation phase, including periods after a first lifetime benefit payment withdrawal, is greater of ((a value based on the present payment base and the withdrawal percent) or (a value based on the present contract value for the current period and the withdrawal percent)); wherein withdrawals decrease the contract value, and withdrawals during one of the periods during the accumulation phase not in excess of the available lifetime benefit payment withdrawal do not decrease the present payment base; and wherein the present payment base is increased based on an increase in the current period contract value over a prior period contract value in periods after the first lifetime benefit payment withdrawal, and a periodic increase in the present payment base is limited to a maximum percentage.
 11. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 10, wherein the lifetime benefit payment withdrawal that is requested is less than the available amount for that period.
 12. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 10, wherein the withdrawal percent is a function of a relevant life's age.
 13. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 10, wherein once the first lifetime benefit payment withdrawal is taken, the withdrawal percent is fixed for the remainder of the contract.
 14. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 10, wherein the withdrawal percent increases over the term of the annuity contract.
 15. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 10, wherein the withdrawal percent decreases over the term of the annuity contract.
 16. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 10, wherein the withdrawal percent fluctuates over the term of the annuity.
 17. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 10, further comprising the step of: collecting a rider fee.
 18. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 10, further comprising the step of: collecting an account maintenance fee.
 19. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 10, further comprising the step of: calculating a death benefit to a beneficiary upon the death of a relevant life, wherein the death benefit is the greater of: (a) a predetermined guaranteed death benefit amount; and (b) the present contract value.
 20. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 10, wherein the lifetime benefit payment withdrawal that is requested is less than the available amount for that period.
 21. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 19, wherein the guaranteed death benefit is available to the beneficiary only if the relevant life dies during the accumulation phase.
 22. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 10, wherein the value of the annuity payments equals the value of the last lifetime benefit payment.
 23. The computer implemented data processing method of claim 10, further comprising the step of: calculating a death benefit to a beneficiary upon the death of a relevant life, wherein the death benefit is the contract value.
 24. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the available lifetime benefit payment withdrawal is Greater of ((the present payment base×the withdrawal percent) or (the present contract value×the withdrawal percent)).
 25. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the available lifetime benefit payment withdrawal at a given one of said plurality of time periods after a first lifetime benefit payment withdrawal decreases relative to the preceding one of said plurality of time periods as a function of a decrease in values of investments represented by the contract value at the given time period. 